Safety Tips

Never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, bank details, payment app transfers, or financial information to someone you have only met online or do not know personally.

Romance scammers often build trust first, then create an urgent story. They may say they need help with a medical emergency, travel costs, military leave, visa fees, a frozen bank account, customs fees, rent, a phone bill, or an investment opportunity. They may also ask you to receive or move money for them, which can put you at legal or financial risk.

• Do not send gift card codes, wire transfers, crypto, cash app payments, or prepaid debit cards.
• Do not share banking logins, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, identity documents, or one-time security codes.
• Do not invest in crypto, foreign exchange, or other opportunities recommended by a match.
• Do not let someone pressure you by saying it proves your love, trust, loyalty, or seriousness.
• If you already sent money, contact your bank, card issuer, payment app, or crypto exchange immediately and report the incident.

Take your time before moving a connection offline. You do not owe anyone a meeting, your phone number, your address, or continued conversation.

• Stay in the app or website messaging system until you feel comfortable.
• Look for consistency in their profile, photos, answers, and stories.
• Consider a video call before meeting, especially if something feels too fast or too perfect.
• Search their name, photos, and details online. A reverse image search can help reveal stolen photos or reused scam profiles.
• Avoid sharing your home address, workplace, daily routine, financial details, or private photos.
• Be cautious if they quickly push you to move to encrypted messaging, email, or another platform.
• Stop communicating if they become angry, controlling, sexually aggressive before you are comfortable, insulting, threatening, or overly persistent.

When you decide to meet, make choices that keep you in control of your time, transportation, and surroundings.

• Meet in a public place with other people around, such as a coffee shop, restaurant, or busy park.
• Tell a trusted friend or family member where you are going, who you are meeting, and when you expect to check in.
• Share your location with someone you trust if your phone supports it.
• Use your own transportation so you can leave whenever you want.
• Do not meet at your home, their home, a hotel room, or a remote location for a first meeting.
• Keep your phone charged and accessible.
• Watch your drink and personal belongings. Do not leave them unattended.
• Set a simple exit plan, such as a check-in call or a reason you may need to leave.
• Leave immediately if you feel uncomfortable. You do not need to explain or be polite.

Be extra cautious if a person:

• Asks for money, gift cards, crypto, payment app transfers, financial help, or account access.
• Claims to be overseas, on an oil rig, in the military, traveling for work, or otherwise unable to meet.
• Promises to meet but repeatedly cancels or has emergencies.
• Moves very quickly into intense affection, commitment, or future plans.
• Pressures you to keep the relationship secret or ignore friends and family.
• Gives inconsistent answers or avoids normal questions.
• Requests explicit photos, threatens to share images, or tries to blackmail you.
• Sends links, asks you to download files, or requests authentication codes.
• Introduces an investment, trading platform, business deal, or "guaranteed" way to make money.

• Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication where available.
• Be careful about usernames, photos, workplace details, school names, license plates, and location clues.
• Think carefully before sending intimate images. Once shared, you may lose control over where they go.
• Do not click suspicious links or install apps sent by someone you just met.
• Block and report anyone who harasses you, impersonates someone, asks for money, or makes you feel unsafe.

Healthy dating includes respect for boundaries. You can slow down, say no, change your mind, end a conversation, or leave a date at any time.

• Do not ignore discomfort because you feel pressured to be nice.
• Clear, enthusiastic consent matters. Silence, fear, pressure, intoxication, or uncertainty are not consent.
• If someone disrespects a small boundary, take it seriously. It may be a sign they will disrespect bigger boundaries too.

• If you are in immediate danger, call local emergency services right away.
• If you suspect a scam, stop contact, save messages and payment records, and report it.
• If you sent money, contact the payment provider immediately and ask whether the transaction can be stopped or reversed.
• If someone threatens or blackmails you, do not pay. Save evidence, block them when safe to do so, and report the threat.
• Tell someone you trust. Scammers and abusers often rely on shame and secrecy.
• If available, use in-app reporting and blocking tools to help keep the community safe.

CatchaKeeper may review reports of scams, impersonation, harassment, abusive behavior, or other violations of our policies and may remove content, restrict features, suspend accounts, or permanently ban users to help maintain a safer community.